TSG toil in 2-0 Augsburg defeat

After two successive Bundesliga defeats, Hoffenheim were looking to get back on the path to success in their trip to Augsburg, although the hosts have claimed the majority of their points this season at home and were not intending on lying down easily. There was some positive team news for Markus Gisdol, as he was able to call upon the trio of Kevin Volland, David Abraham and Fabian Johnson once more, with the American taking up a position on the left wing, meaning Salihovic continued at left back.

TSG started the game the better side and almost took the lead after a matter of minutes. Roberto Firmino gave FCA keeper Marwin Hitz a test with a low shot, one he just passed as the ball spilled out of his grasp and just wide of the far post. After 15 minutes of relative comfort for Hoffenheim, Augsburg suddenly found themselves in front. Koen Casteels, who signed a contract extension during the week, did well to stop a low strike from Matthias Ostrzolek, but was unfortunate to see the rebound land at Halil Altintop's feet and the Turk had an easy finish. Things went from bad to worse six minutes later as the same man struck again for Augsburg. Under heavy pressure at the back, Salihovic lost possession and a quick bit of interplay involving Paul Verhaegh was finished off at the near post by Altintop.

End of first half is end of goalmouth action

A 2-0 deficit so early on in the game certainly won't have pleased TSG manager Markus Gisdol, but he saw his side get back level from the same position on the last matchday against Hertha, even if that game didn't produce any points. Nevertheless, it continued to be Augsburg providing the danger and they had the ball in the back of the net again in the 33rd minute, but fortunately it was correctly ruled out for offside. Hoffenheim's best chance of the first half fell to Anthony Modeste and once again Hitz was lucky to see the ball not go in. He got enough of a hand onto the TSG striker's effort, but not enough to stop it heading toward goal. However, Ragnar Klavan cleared away before the ball crossed the line.

Gisdol made a change at the break, bringing Jeremy Toljan on for Salihovic at left back possibly with a view to stunting Augsburg's strength on the wings, particularly from Andre Hahn. It seemed to do the trick as the second half presented little to no chances, however, that was the case for both sides. Further changes followed for the visitors, with Sven Schipplock and Kai Herdling brought on for Firmino and Eugen Polanski, but the switch to a 4-4-2 formation didn't aid Hoffenheim's attacking. The second ball continued to elude the men in white, as Augsburg were now the side looking comfortable and their 2-0 lead remained intact until the final whistle. It means that TSG have now failed to score in a Bundesliga game for the first time this season and slip below FCA in the table. It wasn't the ideal return from the international break for the Kraichgau side, but there will be a chance to make amends next Saturday at home against Werder Bremen, which is followed on the Tuesday by the exciting last 16 clash in the German Cup against FC Schalke 04.

FC Augsburg: Hitz – Verhaegh, Callsen-Bracker, Klavan, Ostrzolek – Baier – Hahn, Vogt, Altintop (85' Moravek), Werner (90' Bobadilla) – Milik (76' Mölders)

TSG 1899 Hoffenheim: Casteels – Beck, Abraham, Süle, Salihovic (46' Toljan) – Polanski (59' Herdling), Strobl – Volland, Firmino (60' Schipplock), Johnson – Modeste

Goals: 1-0 Altintop (17'), 2-0 Altintop (23')
Yellow cards: Callsen-Bracker, Hahn – Salihovic, Strobl, Herdling
Referee: Florian Meyer
Attendance: 27,855

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